The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1887-01-03
STORIES OF BEN BUTLER.
How New Orleans Narrowly Escaped
Destruction-1hc Hanging OF
Milford.

milford.
No matter how much one may differ
with Gen. Buffers philosophy it is inn
possible, SAYS The Ncw York. World to
remain in his presence for any length
of time without being entertained by
his conversation. Possessing q won
derful memory and having great
dramatic power and a remarkable
facility of expression, coupled with Il
peculiar egotism that might be offensive
in any other man, but which in him
seems quite natural and is taken as n
matter of course, Gen. Butler throws
into his talks picturesque individu-
ality and racincss pecul arly his own.
He is cynical, sharp, aid occasionally
vulgar, but never dull.
"Oh, if Butler was only sincere" ex
claimed an admirer of his recently.
II don't know, he wouldn't be Butler
then" was the reply.
Near the capitol in Washington are
three large houses built of granite
They belong to Butler. The granite for
them was quarried at his own works in
Massachusetts. The subject was men,
toned in Buffers presence recently and
n friend said General, what in the
world did you build SO many houses
for-to live in?'
Eyes, partly" he replied. 81 Lived
in one of them until my poor wife died,
but the real reason is | built them for
monument. found that no one else
would put up monument for me. and
l thought would build one myself. "
"They will put up monument in
New Orleans for you some day" sug-
gestcd friend. ironically.
II should not be surprised, said But
Ter, quickly. The mention of New Or
leans started the general on n train Of
"reminiscences. One incident he re-
called of the entry Of the union forces
into Tie southern metropol that may
not be very generally knSTn. In brief,
before Butler arrived with his troops,
Admiral Farragut steamed up in his
flagship. the Hartford followed by his
ilcet, and took possession of the city in
the name of The United States govern
ment. A company of marines was
sent on shore and shortly after the
stars aud stripes were floating over the
custom hou e. The city was captured
but not subjected. and Admiral Farra-
gut, experimenting that some attempt
might be made to take down the colors,
arr angcd plan of action in case the at
tempt should he made. A couple of
howitzcrs were fastened in the rigging
- I.. 20 rI Il ~ ta n.t1 ai
each one. From this elevated position
the lookouts could command sgood
view of the custom-house and the
town. They were instructed at the
first ind cation of an attempt to haul
down the flag TO fire their guns. A
broadside from the Hartford wculd
follow, and this would be the signal for
the whole feet TO open fire on the city.
The next day was Sunday, Farragut,
who was n yer, rel gious man had or
dcred all hands below for prayers, only
TIE officer of the day an ! the two look
outs remaining above deck Rain
threatened at the time and the fuses for
igni,ing the big guns when in place
were exposed TO the weather. The Of
ficer. wishing TO save the fuses from be-
ing spoiled. went around to each gun and
removed them TO place of shelter. Sud
denly the flag was seen to 90 down
from the custom-house. The lookouts
fired Their howiizers, and the prayers
below came TO an abrupt ending. Of
ficers and men rushed upon deck and
took their places. The thoughtfulness
of the officer of the day in removing
the fuses caused slight delay and be-
fore the broadsilc could be delivered
the lookouts reported to the admiral
that they saw no ind cations of dis
lurbance or unusual excitement in the
streets, and FarrGgut concluded that
the hauling down OF the flag was the
act of some reckless person and not
the revolt OF the city as it was after
ward found. lie therefore decided TO
investigate the matter first and gave
the order 10 hold the fire. Nothing
could have prevented the total destruc-
ton of New Orleans if the fleet had
once commenced TO she'll the town.
Farragut's religious habits saved the
city. Hal he remained on deck the
fuses would not have been touched and
the broadside signal would have been
given without delay.